Differentiation of Phytomonas sp. and lower trypanosomatids (Herpetomonas, Crithidia) by agglutination tests with lectins

Cell surface components of 4-day-old cultures of the plant parasite Phytomonas sp. and other lower trypanosomatids (Crithidia fasciculata, C. luciliae, C. sp. and Herpetomonas samuelpessoai) were partially identified by lectins. The qualitative data of the investigation allowed us to distinguish Phytomonas sp. from the other parasites Differences in the agglutination titers could be used to differentiate between the five species.